The Jerome Journal's mission is to collect, save and share information, pictures and documents about the history and families of Jerome, Lincoln Township and the surrounding areas of Appanoose & Wayne counties, Iowa. Everyone is encouraged to share their information, documents and pictures with others via The Jerome Journal. Simply email your material to the Editor at thehawk.bill@gmail.com for posting on The Jerome Journal. Appropriate credit is given to all contributors and sources.

Friday, July 31, 2009

One day Manford and I were job-hunting. He had heard that there was a vacancy for a school superintendent (I don't remember in what town). We were driving down Highway 2 toward Centerville and saw the sign pointing toward Jerome. Manford was acquainted with the Superintendent there, Harold Main, having met him at one of the summer schools. So he said, "I believe we better drive in here. Harold might know of a vacancy somewhere."

In Jerome we learned that Harold had already left. The school term wasn't over. A woman in Jerome, who had been the Principal years before, finished out the term. And they were looking for a Superintendent. He met some School Board members. They didn't hire him that day. But they told him to come back and meet the whole Board.

I have always remembered that, when we left Jerome that day, Manford and I were singing the hymn,

"The sign of the fire by night,

and the sign of the cloud by day,

hovering over, just before,

as we journey on our way,

shall a guide and a leader be

till the wilderness be passed.

For the Lord our God

In his own good time

Will lead to the light at last."

We sent down the road singing that hymn, because we were so thankful. Jobs were hard to find. We felt that the Lord led us to Jerome.

Howard Carter and Manford borrowed a trailer to pull behind the car and move our furniture to Jerome in 1934. We had to sell a lot of our furniture, because the only house we could rent in Jerome was furnished. It was an old house with a kitchen, a dining room, living room, and two bedrooms. Another room was full of furniture which belonged to the owner of the house, Anna Gorman. We had a big heating stove in the dining room. We didn't heat the living room or

bedrooms in the winter. There was also an old cook stove in the kitchen for heat and cooking. In the summer time we used a three-burner kerosene stove for cooking.

Figure 1.

Manford Moore, 1934 school photo

We had an electric washing machine in Lovilia, but because Jerome didn't have electricity in town, we sold the washing machine and I had to wash clothes on a "wash board." We heated the water in a boiler on the cook stove.

The fuel for the heating stove and the cook stove was both corn cobs and coal. Jerome was a coal mining town.

We had good friends Cloe and Stitcher Hawkins [1] there. They had no children, and were very fond of Gay and Leroy. Cloe and I worked together in the church. We were adult supervisors of the Epworth League, the young peoples' group. Our minister lived in another town and wasn't able to be in Jerome on Sunday evening for Epworth League.

I went to Iowa Wesleyan College for a week on summer for the Epworth League Institute.

The great depression was on, at that time. For entertainment people went to church and Sunday School. Manford taught a Sunday School class. We also had many school affairs. One a month we had an evening for parents at the school. We also spent many evenings with Cloe and Stitcher Hawkins. His brother [2] ran one of the two grocery stores in Jerome and lived across the street west of us. They had three little girls. The oldest girl [3] and Gay were good friends.

Stitcher's sister [4] was a nurse. When she was not on duty, she would stay at the Hawkins' family in Jerome. She was a good friend to us, too. Also, she was quite helpful to us when there was illness. The closest doctor was at Centerville, ten miles away. It cost $10 whenever the doctor came out.

The family [5] across the street south of us ran the other grocery store. They had one grown son [6] who no longer lived in Jerome. They also had Pekinese dogs.

Jerome had a two-year high school. Leroy started to kindergarten there, the first day Manford was Superintendent of a school. The school building was made of brick. In addition to several classrooms, it had an auditorium. At the top of the stairs, in the center of the building, was the Superintendent's office. There was a telephone in that office. The school janitor, Jordie Anderson [7], had a wooden leg. He was very cross with the students. He stood at the door whenever the children were coming in from recess to make everyone clean their shoes.

One of the teaches, Miss King [8], was from Centerville. Another teacher [9] lived in Promise City and drove to Jerome every day.

The school had outdoor toilets.

The basketball games were played outdoors, on a dirt court. Manford would mark the court lines with lime, before a game was played with another school.

Manford was going to buy a great big plank to make a teeter-totter for the school yard. But my father donated the blank from a tree on the farm where I grew up, and Manford made it into a teeter-totter.

The town cemetery was just over the fence from the school yard.

Many years later Leroy and I drove to Jerome, just to see it again. The school had been closed, sold, and made into an antique shop. The woman who was operating it used to teach at Jerome.

The church was about half-way between our house and the school.

There was also another church in Jerome, called The Believers. I never heard of them anywhere else.

During the summers we went to summer school at William Penn College in Oskaloosa. We had an apartment at the home of Professor and Mrs. Stanley. They were very fine people and were good to us. Both Manford and I went to college. We took a very heavy load of courses.

One of those summers Edna "Tootie" Hardy went with us from Jerome. She did our cooking and took care of Gay and Leroy. She took them to the town's library every day of the week. They would come home with their arms full of books; five each. After reading their own books, they would exchange. The next day they would get other books. We had no radio, and, of course, no television.I can't remember how much we paid her. But it was a very small sum.

Manford's brother, Marshall, lived with us part of the time while we were in Jerome. So Tootie and Marshall met. And she went to Nebraska with us on one of our trips to visit Manford's family there.

Later Tootie and Marhall were married and lived in Jerome. They had two boys, Jerry and Roger. Both of these boys worked their way through college.

Figure 2.
Edna "Tootie" Hardy married

Marshall Moore, Manford's brother.

Years later, when Marshall died, Leroy officiated at his funeral. Marshall was buried at Jerome. Even later, Tootie was buried there, too.

Manford also took Saturday college courses at Iowa City. He was working hard to complete his Bachelor of Arts degree, and received that degree while we lived at Jerome.

Figure 3.

Manford Moore in his Bachelor of Arts cap and gown,

on receiving the degree from William Penn College.
Photo in the yard of Anna Gorman's house

where we lived in Jerome.

We had a very hard winter one of the years we lived in Jerome. The snow fell so heavily that the roads were blocked. We couldn't get out to the highway north of Jerome for several days. The snow was higher than the tops of the cars. The men did a lot of hand shoveling, before they could get the machines through. Some of them paid off their poll taxes by that work on the road.

The Walnut Creek Coal Company was near the junction of the Jerome road and Highway 2. There was also a pig farm at that corner. We used to hold our breath, whenever we passed it.

The editor sincerely appreciates the contribution and permission to publish this section from Maggie's Story by Maggie (Agan) Moore, 1903-1996, with pictures to The Jerome Journal by her son, the Rev. Leroy Moore of Indianola, Iowa.

Mary Catherine Grim Moore Murrish lived in Jerome with her son's family, the Manford Moores, in the mid-1930s. Marshall Moore of Jerome was also her son.

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Mary Catherine Grim, daughter of George W. and Catherine A. Grim, was born May 4, 1868 near Hickman, Nebr., in Lancaster county, and passed away December 2, 1942 at her home in Gandy, Nebr., at the age of 74 years, 6 months and 28 days. On June 5, 1890 she was united in marriage to George W. Moore of Hickman, Nebr. To this union four children were born: Emma Blanche, who preceded her in death in Oct. 1933; John Roy; Manford Ray, and Marshall W.

During the first few years of their married life they made their home near Hickman, Nebr., later living in Illinois and Oklahoma and finally moving back to Nebraska. In the spring of 1907 they moved to Logan county, Nebraska, and settled on a Kinkaid homestead. After proving up their homestead they traded for land in Iowa and made their home there until the time of Mr. Moore's death on April 7, 1925.

After his death she lived with her son Manford in Iowa for some time, later moving to Gandy, and finally to Kearney, where she was united in marriage to John Murrish in Dec. 1927. He also preceded her in death in April, 1934.

She then moved to Iowa for a short time, but later came back to Gandy, where she was living at the time of her death.

She was a good wife and a kind and loving mother. She always had sympathy for those in need. Early in life she united with the Christian church, and still held to that faith at the time of her death.

She leaves to mourn her passing: three sons, John Roy of Arnold, Nebr., Manford Ray of Coburg, Iowa, and Marshall W. of Jerome, Iowa; seventeen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; two brothers, Daniel J. Grim of Okla., and George W. Grim of Mo.; and three sisters, a twin, Sarah E. Scott of Kansas, Minnie T. Swank of Okla., and Phoebe A. Baer of Okla. She also leaves to mourn her loss a host of friends and neighbors.

Interment was made in the family plot in Lovilla, Iowa. Roy Moore of Garfield and Manford Moore accompanied the remains to that city.

A precious one from us has gone,

A voice we loved is stilled.

A place is vacant in our home,

Which never can be filled.

God in his wisdom hath recalled

The boon his love had given,

And tho the body slumbers here,

The soul is safe in Heaven.

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The editor appreciates the contribution of this obituary to The Jerome Journal by the Rev. Leroy Moore of Indianola, Iowa.

Marshall Walton Moore was born 23 February 1899 near Bennett in Lancaster County, Nebraska, son of George Walton Moore and Mary Catherine Grim, died 12 October 1963 in Appanoose County, Iowa, and was buried in the Jerome Cemetery. He was married by Rev. Trimble at the Christian Church Parsonage on 19 October 1936 to Edna Mae "Tootie" Hardy who was born 21 March 1913 in Jerome, Appanoose County, Iowa, daughter of William Hardy, Jr. and Marie "Maggie" Allan, died January 1978 in Appanoose County, Iowa, and was buried in the Jerome Cemetery. Two children were born of this union: Jerry Lee Moore and Roger Marshall Moore.

Edna May Hardy & Marshall Walton Moore

on Their Wedding Day - 19 October 1936

Marshall & Edna Moore in 1960

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Daily Iowegian - 21 October 1963

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-- Obituary --

Marshall Walton Moore was born to Mary Catherine and George Walton Moore on Feb. 23, 1899 in Bennett, Nebraska. At the time of his death, he was 64 years, 7 months and 19 days old.

He was married to Edna Mae Hardy of Jerome, Iowa, at the Christian Church Parsonage, by Rev. Trimble on Oct. 19, 1936. His brother and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Manford Moore, were attendants.
They lived in Kearney, Nebr., their first year of marriage; then they returned to Jerome, where they made their home ever since.

Two sons were born to them, Jerry Lee, age 25, on March 11, 1938; and Roger Marshall, age 16, Sept. 28, 1947.

Surviving his death are his widow, Edna; his sons, Jerry and Roger, and a brother, Manford and his wife Maggie, of Oskaloosa, Ia.
Preceding him in death are his parents; a brother, Roy Moore and his wife, Urah; and a sister, Blanche, of Nebraska.

Also left to mourn his death are several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives, neighbors and friends.
"You cannot say, you must not say,
That he is dead, he is just away;

Taken without a good-bye and without a warning,

But sadly missed by his family at noon, night, and morning."

Card of Thanks

Due to the many, many acts of kindness, we are unable to thank everyone individually, so my sons and I take this opportunity to thank each and every one for all the nice cards, good food, the beautiful flowers, the kind deeds, and a special thanks to all the ladies who prepared the meal for the relatives after the funeral; also, thanks to the Miller-Wehrle Funeral Home, Dr. Leffert, Genevieve Mincks, and our nephew, Rev. Leroy Moore. With all of God's blessings to each of you.

--Mrs. Marshall Moore and Sons, Jerry and Roger

--Mr. and Mrs. Manford Moore

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Gravestone of Marshal W. & Edna M. Moore

in the Jerome Cemetery

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The editor remembers well having "Tootie" Moore regularly cut his hair when he was a boy in Jerome. Marshall came to Jerome to visit his brother Manford who was Principal of the Jerome School. While visiting in Jerome, Marshall met "Tootie" Hardy was helping to care for Manford's children; fell in love with her and married her. The editor sincerely appreciates the contribution to The Jerome Journal of the above information, obituary and pictures by the Rev. Leroy Moore of Indianola, Iowa.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

George Sidles, son of George and Ella (Thomas) Sidles, was born at Jerome, Iowa, Sept. 8, 1905, and always lived in the vicinity as a farmer.

On Feb. 4, 1937, he was united in marriage with Mildred Hickie. They had three daughters: Mrs. Donald (Louise) Howell of Colfax, Iowa; Mrs. Clayton (Luella) Miller of North Little Rock, Ark., and Janice May, a student at Iowa State University.

Other survivors include three grandchildren; a brother, Peter Sidles of Jerome; three sisters, Georgia Sidles of Centerville, Mrs. Roy (Mary) Mills of Des Moines and Mrs. Eugene (Martha) Orr of Austin, Minn.; a sister-in-law, Mrs. Joe (Janice) Sidles of Seymour, and several nephews and nieces.

George held office in several farm organizations on both county and local levels with conservation a major interest.

Some three years ago a severe heart attack forced his retirement from the farm and led to his moving to Colfax a year ago. Last spring a malignancy of the bones developed which caused his death Sept. 26.

During his illness those who cared for him often spoke of his patent endurance and fine spirit. A deep faith became apparent and he was baptized Sept. 16, 1967, to express his trust in God.

A loving and devoted husband and father, a faithful, helpful brother and friend, he will be missed by all who knew him.

Funeral service was Oct. 1 at the Jerome Methodist church with Rev. Kermit Gladfelder officiating. Pallbearers were John Cerato, Neil Eddy, Milan Davis, Earl Powell, Paul McElvain and Marvelle McElvain. Soloist was Vernon Gold Jr., accompanied by Mrs. Barney Mallett. Burial was in the Jerome cemetery.

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George & Mildred Hickie Sidles

Gravestone in the Jerome Cemetery

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Mildred May Hickie Sidles was born 20 January 1910 in Sewal, Wayne County, Iowa, daughter of John Henry Hickie and Lydia Ann Darrah, died 14 April 2005 in Girard, Crawford County, Kansas, and was buried in the Jerome Cemetery, Appanoose County, Iowa. She married 4 February 1937 in Fremont George Sidles. Three children were born of this union: Louise, Luella and Janice.

Mildred and George lived on a farm they owned in Appanoose County until George's death in 1967.

For 30 years, Mildred was a member of the Jerome Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School and was active in the United Methodist Women. She also was a leader of the Lincoln Luckies 4-H Club for over 10 years and enjoyed her participation in the neighborhood Booster Club.

Funeral services were at the Randolph Funeral Home in Corydon, Iowa, on Monday, April 18, with Rev. Ross Blount officiating. Burial was in the Jerome Cemetery, Appanoose County, Iowa.

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George Sidles information transcribed from Seymour Area Death Notices and Obituaries, Items #7-8 on FHL Film #1673236. Mildred May Hickie information transcribed from post by Richard Inman on 28 April 2005 to the Jerome Cemetery on FindAGrave.com.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Mystery photo #002 is one I found among the Hawkins-Hagan-Criswell family pictures saved by my Aunt Cadd Hawkins and Great Aunt Emma Hagan Ogle. The photo is 7 3/8" x 4 3/4" mounted on a cardboard mat. If you recognize either the house or the family in the picture, or have suggestions for solving this problem, please post them as comments below or email the editor. The complete photo and an enlarged section with the people is below.

Many of us have old photos of people and/or places, but do not know who or what it is. The Mystery Photo feature of The Jerome Journal is designed for people to share their unidentified pictures to see if anyone can recognize the place or person(s) in the photo.

The editor appreciates the suggestion by Geraldine Rinker of Augusta, Georgia, to add this feature to The Jerome Journal.

The first "mystery photo" is from Geraldine Rinker. She found it among her photos of the Rinker and Sidles families. The original is 8" x 10" mounted on a cardboard mat. The complete photo and an enlarged version of the two persons and dog in the photo are provided below.

If you recognize the house or persons in the photo, or have a thought that might help in identification, please respond through a comment below or email the editor.

If you have unidentified photos which you think were taken in the Jerome/Lincoln township area, please email them to the editor with a description of the photo and any information that might narrow the range of possibilities. They will be posted into The Jerome Journal.

How a soft-spoken Quaker lassie and a dashing young medical college graduate fall in love one beautiful spring day in 1871, and how their romance lived for more than six decades, is the story of Dr. and Mrs. W. H. Earnest, Seymour, who observed their sixty-third wedding anniversary here Saturday.

Many a page of history has been turned since that day in 1871 when the bride and groom took their wedding vows in a pioneer log cabin, and started housekeeping in a two room house west of the Wayne hotel in Seymour.

Maria Rogers, the bride, was a Quaker girl whose vocabulary was enriched by the "thees and thous" of the Quaker language. She came to Seymour to visit relatives, and stayed to teach school.

Dr. Earnest, just out of medical school, was from Ottawa, Ohio, and went into partnership with Mrs. Earnest's uncle, Dr. S. H. Rogers. Then the young doctor got a school in the adjoining district. His pay was above average for that day and age, being $25 per month. He first met Miss Rogers in the spring and they were married in October the following year.

Civil War Service

Dr. Earnest is a civil war veteran, having served in Co. "D," 150 Ohio Infantry for three months, and 189th Ohio Volunteers, for the remainder of the war. Dr. Earnest says that if the United States were in war today and he was of fighting age, he would want to be in uniform fighting for his country. He recalls with pleasure the adventure and excitement of military service.

Up To Date

But don't be misled into thinking Dr. and Mrs. Earnest live in the past dreaming dreams of the long ago. Both are up-to-date and well informed on current events. Dr. drives his own car, and has ridden by plane to Kansas City so many times that the writer has a hunch the civil war veteran could do a right or left bank like a professional pilot. Dr. and Mrs. Earnest are worried about the government's increasing burden of indebtedness, but as for "the younger generation," they are just as good as young folks were when they were young.

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The editor sincerely appreciates the contribution of this article to The Jerome Journal by Geraldine Rinker of Augusta, Georgia. Her grandfather, George Earnest Rinker, was named by his parents after Dr. Earnest.

The wedding of Miss Mary Louise Hunt and Rick R. Mathews took place Sunday afternoon, June 15, 1969, at two o'clock at the First United Methodist Church in Centerville.

The bride is the daughter of Mrs. Louise Hunt of Centerville and the late Richard Hunt. The groom's parents are Mr. and Mrs. Friel Mathews of Cincinnati, Ia.

Mrs. Rick R. Mathews

The double-ring ceremony was performed by the Rev. Cecil Latta, pastor of the church. Linda McAnelly played traditional wedding music and provided organ accompaniment as Mrs. Phil Tisue sang "Because," "The Wedding Prayer" and "Oh, Perfect Love."

White satin bows trimmed the sanctuary pews and the church alter held arrangements of white gladioli and lighted tapers in twin candelabra.

Given in marriage by her uncle, Major Ronald Hunt of George Air Force Base, Victorville, Calif., the bride was attired in a floor-length imported Venice lace and linen gown with empire bodice and an applique wedding ring neck line. The bell sleeves featured appliques. The chapel-length train was trimmed in rose pattern lace edging. Her should-length veil was of silk illusion caught on a capulet of Venice lace.

She carried a cloud bouquet of stephanotis, white carnations, white daisies and baby's breath. She carried out the traditional something old by wearing her grandmother Condra's wedding ring and she also wore something blue and a six-pence in her shoe.

Miss Jean Gronert of Centerville, Mrs. Richard Floss of Newton, college friend of the bride, and Miss Susan Bryant of Phoenix, were the bride's attendants. Their gowns were styled after the matron of honor's and were in pastel colors of green, yellow and blue respectively, with matching headpieces of linen bows and double net. They carried springtime baskets of vari-colored daisies, corn flowers and delicate greens.

Renee Mathews, niece of the groom of St. Joseph, Mo., was flower girl. She worn a floor-length lavender linen gown and headpiece, styled after the attendants' gowns and carried a springtime basket of pastel daisies, corn flowers and feathery greens.

Ricky Hunt, cousin of the bride of Victorville, Calif., was ring bearer.

Candles were lighted by Randy Mathews, the groom's brother, and Danny Mehrhoff, Cincinnati, cousin of the groom.

Ron Mathews, brother of the groom of St. Joseph, Mo., was best man. Groomsmen were, Steve Ross, cousin of the groom, Maryville, Mo., Paul Mueller of Atlanta, Ga., David Willis, Dearfield, Ill., college friends of the groom.

The guests were seated by James Condra, cousin of the bride of Springfield, Ill., Keith Mathews, the groom's uncle of Unionville, Mo., Kenny Mehrhoff, cousin of the groom of Cincinnati, Ia., Phil Tisue, Cedar Rapids, Dwight Jones, Ames, and Neil Farnsworth, Cincinnati.

Following the wedding a reception was held in the church parlors. The table was covered in pink satin cloth with silver appointments. A six-tier cake with ivy surrounding the base and topped with white wedding bells, centered the reception table.

Registering the 275 guests were Nancy Abbott of Centerville, and Suzanne Hambleton of Iowa City.

At the gift table were Mrs. Virgil Cassill of Drakesville, Miss Judy Bipes, Ames, college friends of the bride, and Miss Anita Lamantia of Centerville.

Hostesses for the reception were Mrs. Ronald Hunt of Victorville, Calif., Mrs. Merrill Condra, Numa, Mrs. Glenn Besse of Cincinnati, and Mrs. Kenneth Mehrhoff, Cincinnati. All were aunts of the bride and groom.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Mrs. Beulah A. Ashley, 82, mother of George B. Ashley of Kasson, died Sunday at St. Mary's hospital after a lengthy illness. She had been a patient at the Costello Nursing Home in Rochester the past four years.

The former Beulah Sagarty was born in Concordia, Kan., on Jan. 30, 1882 and in 1907 married Albert Ashley. The couple were divorced and Mrs. Ashly spent many years living with her daughter and son in Minneapolis and Kasson respectively.

Besides her son, she is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Betty Ipsen of Minneapolis, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at the First Methodist church in Kasson on Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. with Rev. Alden Keiski officiating. Burial was in Maple Grove cemetery.

Funeral Program for Beulah A. Ashley

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Beulah A. Sagarty was born 30 January 1882 in Concordia, Kansas, daughter of Hannah Elizabeth Sidles and George B. Sagarty, married in 1907 Albert Archer Ashley from whom she was later divorced, died 26 April 1964 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, and was buried in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Kasson, Minnesota.

Hannah Eliza Sidles was born 3 February 1851 in Clinton County, Ohio, daughter of Peter Sidles and Susan Crosson, married 28 June 1876 in Jerome, Appanoose County, Iowa, George Sagarty, and died 28 September 1894. George Sagarty was born 8 December 1844 and died 30 March 1918. Two children were born to this marriage: a son and a daughter, Beulah A. Sagarty.

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The editor sincerely appreciates the contribution to The Jerome Journal of this obituary and funeral program by Geraldine Rinker of Augusta, Georgia.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Gladys E. Porter Wailes, 80, a retired teacher and lifelong resident of Appanoose County, died in the Golden Age Manor in Centerville, Wednesday, January 7, 1981, following a lengthy illness. She had been a patient at the Manor since November 1978.

Born September 19, 1900 in Appanoose County, she was one of 11 children of Charles and Addie Ridgeway Porter. The family lived on a farm south of Centerville. She married Marion C. Wailes December 25, 1921 and he preceded her in death on June 20, 1980. Mr. and Mrs. Wailes farmed in the Plano and Jerome vicinities, moving to Centerville in 1962. She taught in the rural schools many years, and later taught five years at Hope School in Centerville. She was a member and former young adults Sunday School teacher of the Jerome Methodist Church, a member of the Appanoose County Teachers Association, Centerville Teachers Federation, National Education Association and the Iowa State Education Association.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Briggs, Bert, and Clarence, and six sisters, Ethel, Mernie, Alice, Louise, Mary and Clara.

Survivors include one sister, Grace Ross of Unionville, Mo., and several nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

Services were held Saturday, January 10th at 10:00 a.m. at the Miller-Wehrle Funeral Home in Centerville, with the Rev. Bill Ballard officiating. Burial in the Jerome Cemetery. A memorial to the Jerome Methodist Church was established.

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Transcibed from the Appanoose County, Iowa, GenWeb site's Appanoose Obituaries maintained by Mona F. Knight from a posting by Virginia Gentry on 12/15/2004.

This mine soon reached peak production, nearly 250 tons daily. Robert Hunter was the Supt. and there were 146 employees. It was worked until 1923 when it was abandoned due to the high cost of production.

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The editor sincerely appreciates the permission of W. M. "Bill" Heusinkveld of Centerville, Iowa, to post in The Jerome Journal this information from his book noted above.

William Harkes, whose abilities and achievements as a mining expert have caused his services to be eagerly sought by companies all over Grundy County, is now acting in the capacity of general superintendent of the Northern Central Coal Company of Missouri, and of the Big Four Wilmington Coal Company, at Coal City, Ill., being president of both companies. He is a native of England, and was born in 1861, a son of William and Barbara (Softleigh) Harkes, the former of whom was a captain in the Indian Army and spent the latter years of his life as a farmer in England. He passed away in his native land in 1911, when eighty-three years of age, his wife having died there in 1884. They were the parents of two children: Jane, who is the wife of John Alderton, living in England; and William.

After attending the public schools of his native country, William Harkes became a student in the English School of Mining Engineers, and upon graduating from that institution served an apprenticeship of seven years in mining engineering. Thus thoroughly prepared to follow his chosen vocation, he worked for various English firms for five years, and in 1887 came to the United States, first locating in Chicago as a mining expert. He came to Coal City in 1891 as general superintendent for the Big Wilmington Coal Company and the Northern Central Coal Company, of Missouri, and was made the first president of the adjoining village of Eileen. He is also president of the Harkes Coal Company of Jerome, Iowa, and is part owner of the Wilmington Foundry & Machine Co. He has been county surveyor of Grundy County.

Aside from his offices he carries on a business as a general mining engineer. Mr. Harkes has shown an active and public-spirited interest in all that has affected his adopted community, and is known as one of the substantial, reliable men of Coal City. He is a friend of progress and development along the lines and can be depended upon to favor all movements making for the welfare of Coal City or its people. Fraternally, he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America, in which he has numerous warm friends. He is a Republican in his political views, and in his religious faith is Anglican Episcopalian.

On July 1, 1892, Mr. Harkes was married in Chicago, to Miss Isabella Gladders, born February 23, 1867, a native of England, and they have had four children: Marie Ruth, Barbara Tesla, William, and Harry C., of whom William died in infancy.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

I recently came across this picture of my Aunt Kathryn Hawkins, Great-Aunt Emma Hagan Ogle and Aunt Cadd Hawkins standing among the hollyhocks outside their kitchen door. It brought back memories of making hollyhock dolls when I was a child in Jerome. Searching the Internet I found the following picture and article on Through the Garden Gate - Flowers, Food and Life by Jackie Maas.

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Hollyhock Dolls - Our Hearts Are With You

At one point or another each summer when I was a little girl, my mother and I would go into her gardens and pick a handful of hollyhock blossoms and buds. We'd take them indoors and carefully peel back the green bits of the bud until only a gleaming white 'face' would appear below an elaborate 'up-do.' Next we'd break off a section of toothpick and thread the sharp end through the base of the blossom into the stem area so a quarter inch or so would remain. Then we'd stick the 'head' onto the 'shoulders' and viola! We had a hollyhock doll.

If we'd really wanted to go all out, we would apply a little dab of bright lipstick to the doll's face to get her ready for a big night. And if we were lucky enough to have hollyhocks in a variety of colors that year, we could mix and match the color of the dolls 'hair and gowns' deep magenta skirt with soft pink hair and vice versa. Very cool.

This year I have a gorgeous stand of deep plum-colored hollyhocks (Alcea 'Nigra'), and I made a couple of dolls to float on water in a shallow dish for table decorations for our Fourth of July celebration. Now if I only had had some bright pink buds for the hair.

"Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good-will to me." Thus began the first Christmas carol many many years ago. Angel songs echo across the plains, humble shepherds came to worship the Babe of Bethlehem and Wise Men followed the star and brought rich gifts.

The carols, the star, the gifts are all part of our celebration today. Our customs and Christmas practices have come from many parts of the world.

In England, the first carollers were called Waits. People placed candles in their windows to light these singers on their way. The Yule Log is also a custom borrowed from England. The word "Yule" meant December and at that time of the year people went to the woods to cut great roots of trees for their fires. These roots were called Yule Logs.

The word "Noel" comes from France and means birthday. A French family always builds a creche and children think the Christ Child brings their gifts and fills their wooden shoes with sweets. At midnight the church bells chime, candles are lighted and the people go to church. When the family comes home a feast is served and it is nearly morning before the festivities end.

From Germany comes our custom of having a Christmas tree. According to legend, Martin Luther was walking home through the snow on a beautiful starlit night when he was deeply impressed with the beauty of the trees. He cut down a small fir tree and took it home for his children to enjoy. He put many small candles on the branches to make it glow in beauty like the sky. Each year he did this and soon the custom spread to the surrounding neighborhoods and finally across the world. However, the custom of decorating out door Christmas trees began in America some twenty-two years ago. A couple who lived in San Francisco were decorating their tree and wanted to do something about the many poor people who would not have a tree of their own. A pretty evergreen grew near their front door so it was decorated with many bulbs. The custom spread rapidly so that today even small communities boast out door decorations.

In Sweden the birds are remembered. A sheaf of grain is placed on a pole and put in the yard for the birds. We have copied this custom and tie food on our old Christmas trees for the birds.

On Christmas Eve in Holland a large group of young men go through the dark streets singing songs and carrying a large star made of lighted candles and mounted on a tall pole. Most of our trees are topped with "The Star of Bethlehem." Dutch children do not hang up stockings but put out wooden shoes filled with bits of hay or some carrots for St. Nicholas' horse. Good children received presents but naughty ones get a birch rod. No doubt it is the knowledge of this custom that makes the little girl at our house be very good about this time of year.

And to the Dutch, our children are ever thankful for the custom of jolly old Saint Nicholas. Nicholas was a very wealthy man and his main source of delight was making others happy. He would walk about town carrying bags of gold. If he saw a poverty-stricken family, he would throw coins through open windows or slip them under the doors. Although he tried to keep his work a secret. It was found out and little children followed the good man about town. Legend tells us he once dropped a bag of gold down a chimney and it fell into a stocking which was drying on the mantle. Thus originated the custom of hanging stockings or placing wooden shoes by the mantle. When Nicholas died, he was made the patron saint of little children. Santa Claus is the Dutch name of this Saint.

So once again as the Christmas season draws near may we say with Tiny Tim, "God bless us everyone" and whatever our customs may be let us be ever listening to the angels' chorus as through the ages it echoes, "Peace on earth, good will to men."

Lincoln township is bounded on the west by Wayne county, on the north by Johns township, on the east by Bellair and Pleasant townships, and on the south by Franklin township. It was organized in the '50s. Jerome postoffice was established a number of years ago but has been discontinued.

Lincoln has many good farms, the soil being arable and well drained by Cooper and Shoal creeks. Its people are industrious and progressive, as the well-tilled fields, good roads and fences, modern homes and farm buildings well attest. There are no better supported district schools in the county and the churches testify to the religious character of the men and women. The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul and the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroads enter the township.

Among the early settlers were John Moore, who came here in 1848. He is said to have killed thirty deer in one week, they were so plentiful. Mr. Moore was wont to tell of his experiences. Wolves were so numerous that the farmers' live stock were in constant danger from their ravages. He told of killing a buck, a fine, large fellow. After skinning and dressing it, he took a hind quarter to town and traded it for the family's first set of cups and saucers. No mill, at the time of his settlement here, was closer than Des Moines, so the family subsisted for a while on grated boiled corn. Their buckwheat flour was made by a coffee mill.

S. C. Van Ness left the Keystone state in 1857 and arrived in this county. He became one of the prosperous men of this township.

Peter Sidles, born in Ohio, became a resident of this county in 1859. He located on section 3 in this township, and soon had one of the finest farms in the community. He was a veteran of the Civil War and very prominent both in church and lodge circles.

A. S. Van Dorn, after four years' experience in the gold mines of California, settled down to farm life in this township in 1855. He prospered and attained a place in the estimation of his neighbors that was enviable.

John Maning [Manning], an Ohioan, settled here in 1854 and became prosperous and influential. His son Harvey was a member of the Eighth Iowa Volunteer Cavalry.

Jonathan Rinker, a Kentuckian by birth, came to this state from Indiana in 1845, bring with him his wife, Elizabeth. They first settled in Van Buren county, removing from there to Appanoose in 1851 and entering a tract of land. The family, consisting of eleven members, traveled to their new home in a wagon drawn by oxen, and when he arrived at his destination Mr. Rinker had but eleven dollars remaining. The boys of the family were Robert F., Oliver C., Franklin, Leander, Walter and George W.

C. R. Jackson located in this township in 1854, coming from Indiana.

Robert S. Lowry was born in Indiana. The year 1847 found him in Illinois and from that state he removed to Appanoose county in 1853, locating on section 20, this township. He became one of the largest landholders in the county, owning at one time over a thousand acres. Mr. Lowry dealth largely in live stock and reaped a generous profit from his operations, part of which he invested in bank stock.

M. Darrah and his father, Henry Darrah, were early in the county, coming here in 1856. In 1858 the son married Susannah Lawrer, daughter of William and Catherine Lawrer, early settlers in the county.

Addison Pendergast was born in Ripley county, Indiana, in 1848. In 1858 he settled in this township with his parents. He was a veteran of the Civil war.

Henry Moreland [Morlan], who married Belinda C. Jones, daughter of an Appanoose pioneer, settled in this town in 1852. In the following spring they removed to Independence township.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

One of the favorite events of the Jerome Methodist Church has been the family and community dinners at which everyone brought some food and shared it with everyone else. These pictures were probably taken during the late 1940s.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Final rites for Alfred M. Allen [Allan] will be Tuesday morning July 25, at 11:00. The services at Beidelman Funeral Home will be officiated by Rev. Milton Kinney. Interment will be at the Union Cemetery. Allen [Allan] is survived by his wife, Beatrice; one daughter, Shirley Bentz, Newton; on son, Larry, New York; one sister, Margaret Hardy of Jerome, Iowa; two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

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The Guthrian - Guthrie Center, IA - 7 August 1972

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Alfred McClure Allen [Allan] was born July 5, 1904 in Jerome, Iowa. He passed away July 23, 1972. He is survived by his wife, one son, one daughter, one grandson, one granddaughter, one great grandson, one great, granddaughter and one sister. He united with the Believers Church in 1925. He knew Christ as his personal Savior and looked to him for strength in his long years of illness. Memorial services were held at O. J. Beidelman Funeral Home July 25, 1972. The Rev. J. Milton Kinney officiated, and interment was at Union Cemetery, Guthrie Center, Iowa.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Caroline Rinker, wife of George Culver, was born at Farmington, Lee county, Iowa, on July 11, 1846, being 72 years, 3 months and 29 days of age when she passed into eternal rest.

Her illness was of short duration and her sudden passing was a great shock to her relatives and friends. Death was due to acute gastric and claimed her on Sunday evening, November 10.

Besides her husband, George Culver, her only child Mrs. Grant Robinson, and grandson, William Culver Robinson, two sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth Frost of Forest Grove, Mont., and Mrs. Emily Atherton of Chuquicamata, Chile, South America, and two brothers, Walter T. Rinker of Unionville, Mo., and Oliver C. Rinker of Milton, Oregon, survive her.

Friends may view the remains at Creel's chapel on Wednesday. Mr. Culver and Mrs. Robinson leave with the remains on Thursday afternoon for the old family home, Seymour, Ia., where interment will be made.

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The editor greatly appreciates the contribution of the above obituary to The Jerome Journal by Geraldine Rinker of Augusta, Georgia.

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Caroline Rinker was born 11 July 1846 in Farmington, Lee county, Iowa, daughter of Jonathan Rinker (1810-1886) and Elizabeth Flinn (1810-1893), died 10 November 1918 in Montana, and was buried in Southlawn Cemetery [Section 4, Row 9] in Seymour, Wayne County, Iowa. She married 21 October 1872 in Appanoose County, Iowa, George Culver who was born 12 February 1849 in Washington Township, Morris County, New Jersey, son of Sherwood Hilton Culver and Arminda Nichols, died 14 November 1924 probably in Montana, and buried in Southlawn Cemetery [Section 4, Row 9] in Seymour, Wayne County, Iowa.

One daughter was born of this union: Ethel Culver was born 19 August 1873 in Iowa and died 18 January 1964 in Los Angeles, California. She married about 1897 Grant Robison, who was born 10 September 1865 in California and died 4 November 1959 in California. One son was born of this union: William Culver Robinson was born 5 May 1906 in Montana and died 12 January 1945 in Los Angeles, California.

Attorney Purley Rinker, life-long resident of Appanoose county, died at his home 544 North Main street, at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 5, 1952. Death followed a second paralytic stroke. He had been recovering from a stroke he had suffered in August of 1950. According to attending physicians he made a remarkable recovery although still hampered by the effects of his illness. He was up and about until the stoke last Monday. He had been paralyzed on the right side by the first stroke and the second one affected his left side. Everything possible was done in his behalf but he grew rapidly worse until his death.

Mr. Rinker was born near Numa December 15, 1881, the son of Robert F. and Julia A. Rinker. He graduated from the University of Iowa Law School in 1909 and came to Centerville, where he had practiced since.

Attorney Rinker was an accomplished speaker and a notable student of Abraham Lincoln. He had made various addresses here and elsewhere. At the time the Knights of Pythias Lodge was active here he held a state office.

He had farm interests as well as his legal practice and was widely known.

He never married.

In death he leaves two sisters, Miss Leola Rinker, who lived with him at his home here, and Mrs. Neil Watts,l of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and a brother, Dr. Geo. E. Rinker, of Otto, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2 o'clock from the Johnson Funeral home, with the Rev. F. J. Ackman officiating. Burial will be in the Jerome cemetery.

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Purley Rinker's Gravestonein the Jerome Cemetery

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The editor appreciates the contribution of the above obituary to The Jerome Journal by Geraldine Rinker of Augusta, Georgia.

A very interesting letter came to light in tearing down the old land mark at Livingston known as the old red house. John Ackley has sent in to Purley Rinker a letter he found there which he felt sure would be of interest to the Rinker family, coming as it did from O. C. Rinker while he was in the service at Ft. Smith, Ark. in 1863. Though 52 years old the letter is well preserved. It is as follows:

Ft. Smith, Ark., Nov. 29th, 1863.

Dear Wife:

Again I seat myself to try to get a letter to you. Do not think that I have not written to you for I have written at every opportunity I have had to send you letters. The reason that you do not get them I cannot tell.

I am happy to say that my health is good, also the health of Frank and George [his brothers]. The health of the entire company is very good. W. W. Norwood has been very sick but he is recovering as fast as can be expected. I was glad to hear that all were well and also of the recovery of father. I received five letters from you yesterday, it being the first time that I heard from you since you left Nebraska. The latest dated one bore the date of Oct. 21st. This came in a letter from Captain Harvey.

It is altogether a mistake about the officers having an opportunity to send letters and the men not. They all have the same chance. It is true that there is or was some men that traveled from Ft. Gibson to Ft. Scott, but they did not carry any mail either for officers or men. They carried nothing but official papers. But thank the Lord we have now got to where there is a mail line and hope we will not leave it for about eight months. We arrived here yesterday and thank the Lord we have got to see some corn once more. Our horses are very thin, that is the most of them. I have one that is in good order. Frank's looks terrible. George has lost his horse. He was stolen from him while he was grazing him in the cane brake, but I think that he can get another one without costing him very much.

We are now under General McNeal. He has superceded Blunt. As for my self I am pleased with the exchange. McNeal is an Iowa man. There are a good many troops in the place and vicinity. I understand that there are about thirty thousand men. We are expecting to have a fight or a footrace pretty soon with the forces of Cooper and Price. They are in about forty miles of here and there is a portion of our cavalry that is annoying them all the time. As for our regiment we cannot have any of that sport, as our stock is so reduced that it would not be safe. But if we get to feed them corn for a month then the old Sixth can give them all trouble.

We arrived here yesterday. The Iowa 18th is here and as for the other troops I cannot tell as I have not learned yet. I saw Captain Mallory this morning. He is in the 18th.

You spoke in one of your letters concerning the repairing of a portion of our fence. Say to father that he knows what is better than I do, and if the fence needs repairing, have it done, that is if he can pay it with the rent from the place. I do not want to pay the money out for it just now unless he cannot get it done without it. I want you to take as good care of yourself as you can and I will try and do the same. Concerning us coming back to the border, there is strong talk of us going back to the boarder of Arkansas and Missouri. Ewing is calling for the 6th and I think he will eventually get us. If we do come there then you may look for me to come home, but I cannot come from here. The distance is too great and the road is too dangerous.

Ever remaining your true husband, O. C. Rinker to his wife.

Direct your letters to Springfield, Mo., instead of Ft. Scot.

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The editor appreciates the contribution of this unidentified newspaper clipping to The Jerome Journal by Geraldine Rinker of Augusta, Georgia.

One of Appanoose county's best known and most sturdy citizens passed away about 5 o'clock Thursday evening, Aug. 31, 1911, when Robert F. Rinker succumbed to an illness of considerable duration. He has been in poor health for about two years with kidney trouble, hardening of the arteries and other complications. While death was not unexpected at any time his last attack came on but a day or two before the end. He was conscious much of the time the last 24 hours. His death was at the home, 544 N. Main, the members of the family present being his wife, son Purley and daughter Nellie.

Robert F. Rinker was born Sept. 10, 1839 in Lawrence county, Ind. When 9 years old his parents moved to Farmington, Iowa and to Lincoln twp., Appanoose county, when he was 14. His patriotic spirit led him to enlist in the war, he going into Co. B, 6th Kansas cavalry, when no Iowa regiment was available at the time. With him were two brothers, Joe and O. C., the former of whom as killed and the latter lives at Milton, Oregon. He also leaves a brother, W. T. Rinker, of Unionville, Mo., and three sisters, Mrs. Emily Atherton, Spokane, Wash; Mrs. Elizabeth Frost and Mrs. Cal Cluver, Lewiston, Mont. He was married to Miss Julia Brinkley at Linneus, Mo., April 1, 1866. They immediately located on a farm he bought a half mile from the home place in Lincoln township, which consists of 270 acres owned by him at the time of his death. Ten children were born to them, W. J., Linneus, Mo; John E., Cripple Creek, Colo; Thomas M., Ashland, Kan; C. H., Anthon, Ia; Robert F. Jr., New Rockford, N. Dak; George E., Oto, Ia; Mary R., deceased when 16 years old; Purley, Leola and Nellie at home.

Mr. Rinker was a member of the Masonic lodge, the G.A.R. and of Methodist inclination in church affiliation, tho he did not hold membership in same. He was a man of striking personality and vigorous activity. He was an ardent republican, taking an active part in party councils and conventions, tho never a candidate for office himself, except as he was called on to fill various positions of responsibility in his township and school affairs. He was the head of a splendid family, who are now occupying positions of trust and usefulness and making careers for themselves. He was the best kind of a neighbor, and the qualities of his citizenship were such that any community would have been fortunate to have had his example and counsel.

On his health failing he moved to Centerville in August, 1910. Here many friends took an interest in his health and hoped that relief from farm duties would restore him, but such was not to be. He came to the end of his days in the esteem of his fellow men, and will be mourned by a large number of acquaintances who appreciated his worth as a man.

Funeral Services

Brief funeral services will be held at the home here at 10:45 Sunday morning, after which the body will be taken by train to Seymour and services will be held there in the Methodist church at 1:30 and burial in the Seymour cemetery.

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From an Unidentified Newspaper Obituary

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Called by Death

Mrs. Julia A. Rinker, a daughter of William and Elizabeth Brinkley, was born on the 4th day of September, 1845 in Fayette county, Ohio, and passed away at her residence in Centerville, Iowa, on the 11th day of October, 1929.

While Mrs. Rinker was in her infancy her parents moved to Lee county, Iowa, near the town of Charleston, where they lived for eight years. The family then came to Appanoose county, Iowa, seventy-six years ago, locating about one mile west of Numa, Iowa, on what is now known as the Francis Leek farm, moving later to what is now known as the McElvane farm west of Numa, Iowa and living there fore four years, from whence the family moved to Linn county, Mo. Mrs. Rinker united with the Methodist church in this vicinity, was a teacher in the public schools, and at the age of twenty years, in 1865, was united in marriage with Robert F. Rinker, who had just returned from four years of service in the civil war.

They located on a farm three miles west of Numa, Iowa, and lived there until 1910, when on account of her husband's illness they moved to Centerville, Iowa. As a raesult of their union, ten children were born. W. J.; Rinker, of Linneus, Mo., John E. Rinker of Denver, Colo., T. M. Rinker, Ashland, Kan., Robert F. Rinker, New Rockford N.D., George E. Rinker, Oto, Iowa, Mary Rinker, Purley Rinker of Centerville; Leola Rinker of Ames, Iowa, and Nellie Rinker Watts, of Waggoner, Okla. Mrs. Rinker is preceded in death by her husband, Robert F. Rinker, who died in 1911 and by Mary Rinker, who died at the age of 15 years, and C. H. Rinker, who died at the age of 48 years.

Mrs. Rinker's death was due to a long continued case of heart trouble, or gradual thinning of the heart walls. She had a bright and active mind, and to the very last day of her life remained an active interest in all the affairs of life, and especially in her family and close friends. She was never too busy to turn aside and utter a word of hope and good cheer to those with whom she came in contact.

Present arrangements for funeral are for services to be held at the Methodist church in this city Monday, October 14, at 2 p.m. Interment will be in Seymour cemetery.

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The above was taken from the Centerville Iowa paper. The funeral was conducted by Rev. Lloyd Lanning who is pastor of this Methodist church from which the funeral occurred. Mrs. Rinker's home was just two blocks from the church where she had her membership. The several sons acted as pallbearers.

Mrs. Rinker was the oldest sister of the late Alexander Brinkley, of this city. Mr. Wm. Brinkley and Major Rinker attended the funeral. Mr. and Mrs. James Stinson were visiting at the home of T. M. Rinker at Ashland, Kansas, when word was received of the death. They left there immediately for Centerville.

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The editor sincerely appreciates the contribution to The Jerome Journal of the above obituaries by Geraldine Rinker of Augusta, Georgia.

Orpha Sidles, daughter of John and Elvira Sidles, was born at Jerome, Iowa, on March 9, 1894. She attended the grade schools at Jerome. After graduation from high school at Centerville, she attended and graduated from Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, Iowa.

She came to Sac City in 1920 as a Jr. High history teacher. After one year she became Junior High Principal. She continued to teach until her marriage.

Orpha Chloe Sidles - 1894-1981

On July 23, 1924, she was united in marriage to Ira Ray Deibert. She has always been active and interested in the social and organizational life of Sac City. She served on the Library Board, Corrective Loan Board, was a member of Federated Women's Club, Eastern Star, Past Matrons, United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women.

Death came at Loring Hospital on May 4, 1981. Her own words were so descriptive of her last days when she said, "I'm just wearing out."

Preceding her in death were her parents, four sisters and two brothers. She was the last of her generation. In fact, we are witnessing more than the passing of a life. Orpha's death marks the passing of an era.

She is survived by three sister-in-laws: Ruby Deibert of Odebolt, Margaret Deibert of Minneapolis, MN, and Myra (Deibert) Bisgrove of Earlville, IA. Eleven nieces and nephews, other relatives and many, many friends.

Eastern Star services were held Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. at the Farber and Otteman Funeral Home by O.E.S. No 18.

Funeral services were held from the United Methodist Church on Wednesday, May 6 at 10:30 a.m. with the Reverend Carroll E. Robinson officiating. Piano Interlude, Berceuse in D-flat major by Frederick Chopin and Pre-Medley Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross, How Firm a Foundation, Abide With Me, Bless Be The Tie That Binds, were played by Bruce Perry.

Interment was made at Oakland Cemetery, Sac City. Farber and Otteman Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

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Orpha & Ray Deibert - 1953

Orpha and Ray Deibert - February 1954 in Augusta GA

Orpha and Ray Deibert - Christmas 1954

The Deiberts sent out Christmas cards each year

with pictures of their horses or dogs.

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Sac Sun, Sac City, Iowa - 23 August 1972

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"Ray" Deibert Dies, Longtime Sac City Businessman

A long-time business man in Sac City, Ira "Ray" Deibert, passed away last Tuesday, August 15, at the age of 79.

Eastern Star services were held at the Farber and Otteman Funeral Home at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, August 16, and services were held at the United Methodist Church in Sac City at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, August 17 with the Rev. Fred J. Marsh officiating.

Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery in Sac City with Masonic Graveside rites by Lodge No. 178 A.F. and A. M.

Ira Ray Deibert, always called "Ray," was born to Jeremiah and Flora Braymer Deibert in Grant City, Sac County, Iowa, on December 26, 1892. He was the oldest of four children. His youth was spent in the Auburn area, he attended schools in and near Auburn, and at an early age learned to help his father with the farm work. Later the Deibert family moved to Cedar Township and still later into Sac City where Ray attended the local schools, soon adding to his schooling by a few months of study at a commercial college in Des Moines.

At 19 years of age, he went to work for the Farmers Lumber Company of Sac City, remaining with that corporation for 55 years. On August 24, 1916, he was married to Edna Grohe, who died 16 months later in an epidemic of influenza. On July 23, 1924, he was married to Orpah Sidles in her parents' home at Jerome. The couple had a new house ready for occupancy at 1017 Schaller Street, where they continued to reside through the years.

Ray was a Royal Arch Mason, a past patron of the Order of the Eastern Star, an officer in the Sac County Fair Association, and a charter member of the Sac City Kiwanis Club. As an additional interest, he was for years an amateur horseman, maintaining a stable of American Saddlebred horses which he showed widely throughout the midwest. He held state and national offices in both the Iowa and the American Horse Shows Associations and his picture hangs in the Iowa Horseman's Hall of Fame.

He is survived by his wife Orpha and by one sister, Myrna, and her husband Bisgrove of Earlville. His parents and two brothers, James and Elwood, preceded him in death by many years. Mrs. James Deibert resides in her home in Minneapolis and Mrs. Elwood Deibert resides in her home in Odebolt. There are six nieces and nephews: Margie Loger, Vivian Lashier, Donald Deibert, Marily Miller, Richard Bisgrove, and Rebecca Morhouse.

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Card of Thanks

To those who helped smooth the way for Ray through the past months, and for me during recent days, I can think of nothing more meaningful to say than a simple "thank you. God bless you all. -- Orpha Deibert

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The editor sincerely appreciates the Sac County Genealogical Society having found and sent the obituaries above to The Jerome Journal. The pictures were contributed by Geraldine Rinker of Augusta, Georgia.

Susie R. Sidles, the Herald's eldest news correspondent in years and length of service, died Sunday night at the Wayne County hospital where she had been a patient only 24 hours.

Funeral was Wednesday at the Jerome Methodist church and burial was a Jerome cemetery within sight of her life-time home.

In the absence of the Jerome Methodist church pastor, Rev. Kermit Gladfelder, Rev. Glen Lochhead, a former pastor, conducted the funeral.

Miss Sidles, 84, was born in the home where she spent most of her life. She was the daughter of pioneers, John A. and Elvira Sidles. After her education she was an assistant postmaster at Jerome and later a worker in the American Home Finding Association at Ottumwa. Upon her retirement from the latter job in the early 1940s she returned to Jerome and her home. She was writing news for The Herald when the present owners purchased the newspaper in 1947.

There were very few weeks during the past 22 years when Miss Sidles did not have a long column of Jerome and vicinity news. Her family noted that in recent years the news-writing task was an incentive to keep going when others might have given up. She dictated news to a friend as recently as two weeks ago.

She was a member of Chapter DM, PEO, the Ottumwa chapter of DAR and the King's Daughters in Ottumwa. Her principal activity was in the Methodist church of which she was a member, its Sunday school and women's society.

Survivors include two sisters, Mrs. Ray Deibert of Sac City and Mrs. Guy Streepy of Centerville, two nephews, three nieces and friends. Preceding her in death were her parents, two sisters and two brothers.

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The Seymour Herald - 1 September 1949

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Editor's Note: In the 1 September 1949 issue of The Seymour Herald, the paper published pictures and articles about each of its community correspondents. Susie Sidles wrote the column on Jerome for many years.

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To write of Miss Susie Sidles, Jerome correspondent, one would tell of her home filled with memories and relics of a period many years ago. But the setting wouldn't fit a person who's as up-t0-date at this week's issue of Time magazine.

At her front door she has hung the lantern which went with the earlier members of her family to the cow barn every morning and night for milking. But, it has been electrified. Her living rooms are a collection of treasurers in Walnut, needlework and fine copper, pewter and glass. But, lying about, having just been read, are a dozen current periodicals . . . Holiday, Harpers, Better Homes and Gardens and others.

Miss Sidles lives in the home in which she was born and to her has been entrusted the care of the family's heirlooms. Six rooms house furniture, hardly marred, which came by covered wagon from Indiana with her ancestors.

She says there are 80 acres on the place and that with the help of Mike Ponsetto, Jerome man, she manages to keep things in good shape. Her yard is filled with flowers, shrubs and trees which are a haven for wild life.

As field secretary of American Home Finding in Ottumwa, an orphanage, Miss Sidles kept abreast with young people and young ideas. She was a member of the staff for 17 years. She is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Ottumwa, the W.S.C.S. and P.E.O.

For the unusual in hobbies Miss Sidles has turned to gourds. Not content with collecting specimens and growing them from seed, she has learned the technique of drying them for a year before they are suitable for painting or fashioning into articles. Charm strings, created from all sizes and shapes of gourds, hang at her door as do the wren houses which are made from hollowed fruit with a hole cut in the side. Her friends have tried, with some success, to duplicate her ability in growing the fruit.

A correspondent for several years, Miss Sidles has been one of the most regular ones. Her items represent the town of Jerome as well as the persons who live on farms each way from town.

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The editor sincerely appreciates the contribution to The Jerome Journal of the above articles about Susie R. Sidles by Geraldine Rinker of Augusta, Georgia.

She was born June 25, 1914, in Numa, the daughter of James Elmer and Ettie (Sidles) Condra.

She married Dean Richard Hunt Nov. 17, 1945, in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. He preceded her in death in July 1949.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary Louise Mathews, and her husband, Rick, of Centerville; two grandchildren, Jonathan Mathews and his wife, Amanda, of Centerville, and Sarah Zintz and her husband, Mike, of Plano.

Also preceding her in death were her parents and a brother, Merrill Condra.

She was a 1933 graduate of Centerville High School, graduated from Centerville Junior College and received her elementary education degree from Drake University. She taught school for 40 years, retiring in 1979 from teaching 30 years in the Centerville School System. Following retirement, she worked at Johnson-Lange Funeral Home for 16 years. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Esther Circle, Order of Eastern Star, Past Matrons Club, Appanoose County Retired Teachers, Hospital Auxiliary and the Appanoose County Historical Society.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Jim Gubser officiating. Burial will be held in the Unionville Cemetery in Unionville, Iowa. Visitation will be held at the Johnson-Lange Funeral Home all day today, Tuesday, with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday evening.

A memorial has been established to the First United Methodist Church and the Centerville K-3 elementary school libraries and contributions may be left at the funeral home.

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The editor sincerely appreciates the contribution to The Jerome Journal of the above obituary by Geraldine Rinker of Augusta, Georgia.